Illinois Expanding COVID Vaccine Eligibility, But Most Of Chicago Area Not Joining In
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Starting today, people under 65 with underlying health conditions will now be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine as phase 1B expands in Illinois.
But some counties, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will aren't joining the expansion. CBS 2's Mugo Odigwe helps sort out the confusion.
Beginning today, if you're under age 65 and have certain pre-existing conditions, you'll be able to get a vaccine in most of Illinois. Those conditions include:
- Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart Condition
- Immunocompromised State from a Solid Organ Transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease
But this expansion is not happening in the city of Chicago, suburban Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and Will County, among other parts of the state.
The reason, according to local health leaders, there just isn't enough vaccine supply right now to add a new group of people.
Instead, they're going to continue to prioritize essential workers and people age 65 and over.
But in counties that will be following the expansion, this basically opens the door for anyone 16 and older who have some of the health conditions listed above.
"I'm anxious to get it, and to live a little bit more normal; obviously still being careful, but right now I'm isolated. I don't go anywhere because of my immune system," Melissa Giovacchini said.
Here are some links to help you make an appointment for the vaccine: (We have to caution you, it may be difficult to find an available shot in the near future and near your home, but we did want to share all these links in one place to perhaps make it easier for you.)
Wal-Mart | Walgreens | CVS | Jewel-Osco | Kroger | Mariano's | Meijer | Zocdoc | Hy-Vee | Illinois Department Of Public Health | Indiana Health Department
